Overview of certification and theoretical courses

The BFS Certification package. What training is offered by the BFS?

The BFS offers six certification modules in the following topics. BFS members can download the module handbook for the required topic. BFS certification training is only open to BFS members. Application for membership is a simple process and can be done online.

Certification Handbooks

Each module has a corresponding Study Day associated with it. Attendance at this specific study day is a mandatory part of the certification process.

BFS Certification FAQs

How long will the module take to complete?

The handbooks provide a guideline of between 6-12 months for completion of the training module. You are required to complete the module within 18 months of attendance to the associated Study Day. If for any reason you are unable to complete the module within this timescale, please submit a formal letter explaining why there is/was a delay in completion within the agreed timescale.

When can I start the training module?

Once your application has been approved by the BFS Training Subcommittee and you have received a letter of acceptance onto the module you can begin your training. If your application has not been approved and you have already started your training module, please contact the BFS team on bfs@bioscientifica.com for further advice.

Do I have attend the study day before starting the module?

There is no particular order, however the Study Days take place once a year and there are a limited number of spaces available. For more information or to register for the Study Days please click on the link provided: http://www.fertility.org.uk/meetings/index.aspx

Can I submit retrospective data?

This is not recommended, however this would be a discussion between you and your BFS Trainer. Your trainer will be required to sign off your retrospective data, at their discretion. There remains a requirement to keep a record your regular appraisal meetings with your trainer. You will of course be unable to record this retrospectively.

Your professional development

The six BFS certification modules allow BFS members to access specialised training to six of the key areas involved in reproductive medicine. These certifications are well recognised in the UK by both private and NHS hospitals. The study daysí educational content is provided by renowned and accomplished clinicians working in the field of Fertility.

The modules allow for a more focussed and in depth approach than is offered by more general training courses, like the Sub-fertility ATSM. The areas covered in the training modules deemed by experts in the field to be of real relevance to contemporary clinical practice and will enable the participants to work towards real expertise.

How to apply

Please ensure that your membership is up to date. You should then complete the application forms and submit them to the BFS Office at the address on the forms. Your applications will be processed and then considered at the next Training Subcommittee meeting. Please see below for dates. You will receive a letter within 2 weeks of the committee meeting to advise you to proceed with training or to request further information from you and your trainer.

Course specific application forms are available within each module handbook. If you wish to apply for multiple courses then an application form is available below that shows all courses.

Please note that a training centre form should not be submitted without an accompanying Trainer application form. No centres will be displayed without a valid trainer listed.

How to pay

The fee for each certification module is £120 upon initial application. Payment can be accepted by credit and debit card, cheque and bank transfer. If you would like your centre to be invoiced for this payment we would be grateful if you could contact the BFS Office to provide a contact name and address for the invoice to be sent to. Please note that final certification will not be awarded if payment is outstanding.

Submitting completed certification paperwork

The BFS Certification process should take between 6 – 12 months to complete. We recognise that this is dependent on the capacity of each centre. Trainees whose training is set to take over 12 months to complete for any reason are asked to contact the BFS Office to provide written evidence of the reasons behind the required extension. The BFS Training Subcommittee can consider requests on a case by case basis and are understanding of such delays.

Each module is different and the required documents for submission are listed within the handbook. Please ensure that all mandatory documentation is provided upon submission to ensure that your application can be processed efficiently and is not unduly delayed.

BFS Trainers and Training Centres

The BFS is thankful to its army of BFS Trainers who support the BFS in offering the various certification modules as widely as possible. A list of BFS recognised training centres and their trainers can be found here.

The website shows the current list of trainers and centres. If your centre is not listed and you would like to apply to become a BFS trainer please complete the necessary forms and send them to the BFS Office. The Training Subcommittee will review them at their next meeting.

Governance of the BFS Certification

Administration of the BFS Certification modules is handled by staff at the BFS Office. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact them at bfs@bioscientifica.com. All training applications and submission of completed certification papers will be reviewed by the BFS Training Subcommittee.

2015 Training Subcommittee dates:

23 January 2015

28 April 2015

6 July 2015

2 October 2015

This committee meets on a quarterly basis to discuss the provision of BFS educational events and review the submitted paperwork from trainees and trainers. Trainees and trainers should expect a response from the Training Subcommittee Chair within 2 weeks of the date of the committee meeting.

BFS Study Days

Each BFS Study Day is run on an annual basis. Please see the Meetings page for further details.

The BFS and RCOG have 2 joint courses in April called 'Subfertility & Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Conception'. The Subfertility & Reproductive Endocrinology course corresponds to the Management of the Infertile Couple certification module. Registration for the Subfertility meeting is managed by the RCOG.

If you are planning on participating in the BFS certification training then early registration is recommended for the Study Days as some places are limited. Registration for the BFS Study Week opens in December for the following June.

Certificates of attendance from the Study Days are required for final certification. These should be emailed to delegates following their completion of the post event evaluation survey. If you have not received this please contact the BFS Office for assistance.

Members applying for certification training who have attended a BFS Study Day earlier than the previous year should please note that certificates of attendance for these historic events will no longer be valid for completion of the certification module. Trainees will need to attend the next available Study Day to ensure that they have had access to the most up to date theoretical training.